Cat Dental Care

Why is feline dental care important?

Much like humans, cats only have one set of adult teeth to last them their entire lives. Without the proper care, bacteria, plaque and tartar can build up in your cat’s mouth leading to dental problems, such as:

• Bad breath
• Problems eating
• Tooth loss
• And more!

Between 50-90% of cats over the age of four are diagnosed with dental problems, but by caring for your cat’s teeth, you can help them from becoming one of them.

What are the signs of dental problems in cats?

Cats who are in pain rarely show many signs. This is a defensive measure from when they lived in the wild to protect them from larger predators. However, there are some clear signs that your cat is suffering from dental problems, including but not limited to:

• Bad breath
• Lack of appetite
• Discoloured teeth (yellow or brown)
• Drooling
• Difficulty eating
• Red, sore gums

How can I care for my cat's teeth at home?

The best way you can care for your cat’s teeth is to brush them with a suitable cat toothbrush, like the Virbac Dual Ended Toothbrush, along with a cat toothpaste, like this C.E.T.® Enzymatic Toothpaste.

However, brushing a cat’s teeth can be a tricky job, especially with older cats who are not used to it. Thankfully, we also stock a great range of brushless alternatives for cats, such as dental drinking water additives, gels, dental cat treats and more!

How often should I brush my cat's teeth?

For optimal results, you should brush your cat’s teeth every day to remove plaque and bacteria. However, since many cats don’t like having their teeth brushed, lowering this to three times a week can still help prevent the leading causes of dental problems in cats.

Do cats need professional dental cleanings?

Ideally, you should have your cat’s teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.

However, having your cats professionally cleaned can be expensive, with appointments averaging between £150 - £400 depending on your cat’s dental health.

While cleaning your cat’s teeth yourself may not be as thorough as getting it done professionally by a vet, it is a much cheaper alternative that can still improve your cat’s dental health.

Are there alternative dental care products for cats that dislike brushing?

Yes! Many cats don’t like having their teeth brushed, especially when they are not accustomed to it being part of their grooming routine.

There are a number of great dental care alternatives for cats, including:

• Cat Dental Treats, like these ProDen PlaqueOff® Dental Bites are a quick and easy way to get your cat’s daily dental care in without the fuss of brushing.
• Cat Dental Gel, such as the TropiClean® Enticers® Teeth Cleaning Gel is a great stepping stone towards brushing your cat’s teeth. These gels are antibacterial and can be applied directly to the teeth and gums where the plaque-fighting powers get to work.
• Cat Dental Powder, like the ProDen PlaqueOff® Powder, are designed to work through your cat’s blood stream to prevent plaque from sticking to their teeth, helping to fight the leading causes of dental problems in cats.
• Cat Dental Food may be recommended by your vet. These dry foods are formulated with specific kibble sizes and textures to recreate a brushing effect when your cat chews.
• Cat Dental Water Additives, like the Vet Aquadent FR3SH™ Drinking Water Additive, are great for cats who hate brushing. Just add the recommended amount to your cat’s daily drinking water to reduce bad breath and fight plaque and tartar formation.

What diet supports good dental health in cats?

Many cats on dry food diets face fewer dental problems than those who eat only wet cat food. This is because the crunching of the kibble can have a brush-like effect that scrapes plaque from their teeth with each meal.

Foods like this James Wellbeloved™ Adult Oral Health Dry Cat Food, have a larrger kibble to encourage your cat to chew each morsel which then replicates to aid healthy teeth and gums.

Dental vet foods for cats are also available but should only be fed to cats when recommended to them by a vet.